Kia Venga Review

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Kia Venga Review

Flexible diesel engine

All round visibility

Flat entry boot space

Styling

Light steering

Cheap plastics

Engine noise

All Kia Venga models come fitted as standard with six airbags (front, side and curtain) as well as active front head restraints, two ISOFIX mounting points, anti-lock brakes with Brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), brake assist (BAS) and traction control (TC).

Safety and Security

All Kia Venga models come fitted as standard with six airbags (front, side and curtain) as well as active front head restraints, two ISOFIX mounting points, anti-lock brakes with Brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), brake assist (BAS) and traction control (TC).

ESC can detect situations in which the driver may lose control of the Kia Venga, and as such utilises wheel braking and engine torque reduction, helping to stabilise the car.

BAS or brake assist is a technology that helps keep the car under control at all times, and ensures that the car can stop in the shortest possible distance. In an emergency, maximum braking force is applied, regardless of the amount of effort being exerted on the pedal by the driver.

Located on the dashboard is a manually operated deadlock system, enabling all doors to be locked and unlocked at the press of a button. It would also be good to see automatic drive-away locking as standard.

The bodyshell is constructed of steel, and features high strength steel in key areas, and side impact beams in the doors.

These passive and active safety technologies have all helped the Kia Venga achieve a five star NCAP rating.

Comfort and Refinement

We found the diesel engine to be noticeable at all times, and under load it becomes a little intrusive.

The switch gear and dashboard plastics feel and look a little cheap, which unfortunately let the car down. The front door pockets are a bit on the flimsy side and I do wonder how long they would last with rigorous family use.

However, with the generously sized front windscreen and well proportioned side windows, the interior of the Kia Venga feels light and spacious and with rear seats that slide fore and aft by up to 130mm, rear passengers will definitely feel comfortable with ample leg room. The rear seats will comfortably fit three passengers, although if they all are adults they may feel a little cramped.

We were disappointed to find that the Kia Venga 2 was equipped with manual wind down windows in the rear. Which in our opinion has no place in a modern car also we feel they are unsafe with small children who can operate them without any parental control. Also bearing in mind the price of the Kia Venga we feel it is a bit mean of Kia not to equip all models with all round electric windows only the Venga 3 has them as standard.

The top of the range Kia Venga 3 features a panoramic sunroof which runs almost the entire length of the roof, which helps increase the feeling of a light and airy interior.

The seats are comfortable, offering enough firmness to support a comfortable posture for driver and passengers, but soft enough to be comfortable for longer journeys. The centre rear seat can be sacrificed for a centre pull down arm rest, whilst the front driver has a fold away arm rest. Ergonomics have evidently been thought about, positioning the driver's arm at the correct position for the gearshift as well as the stereo and air conditioning controls.